Magical Express (DME) questions

[dme_driver]

First off a big thanks to dme_driver for giving us his own personal time to help answer our questions
So far I think you have done a fantastic job and have certainly helped clear the air a little, for us anyway.

You mentioned the busses are filled by zone. Do these zones expand as it gets into the later hours (ie; 11:30 pm arrivals and beyond)? Also, if you have any experience with these late night arrivals, what do you think the average time is from MCO until you have emptied the bus?

Thanks so much again.

BTW, you should consider getting a lime green mickey from Home Depot to put somewhere on your bus or uniform so us DISers can recognize you

have already considered a lime green something....
thanks for the appreciation, thats what makes this job worth it,
as to the zone issue, as it gets later the rue is 3 stops in 2 zones that means that you could have a pop cen, carribean beach , and ak lodge (thats 2 zones) the starters are not supposed to load more than 2 stops in each of 2 zones unless dire straights are hit and never a stop in each of 3 or 4 zones.

 

[joannelee217]

what is the customary bus ride tip?

 

[dme_driver]

what is the customary bus ride tip?

there is no set amount... if you feel like dropping a couple of bucks in a tip great, if not thats ok too.... just remember to say thanks to your driver

 

[Colonel]

Is the Magical Express the same as the ground transfers for a Land and Sea cruise? Are they related or completely separate?

 

[localdriver]

Is the Magical Express the same as the ground transfers for a Land and Sea cruise? Are they related or completely separate?

Land and sea will be transported from MCO to the resorts via Magical express. Coaches used may include DME, DCL, and Mears Black and Yellows (as we call them) depending on demand, but are considered DME.

From your resort to the Port will be DCL coaches only 99% of the time. Port to Airport, or resort = DCL coaches 99% of time as well.

 

[localdriver]

what is the customary bus ride tip?

As said previously, there is no set amount. Whatever you feel is right is fine, including "0".

It is customary to tip those who deal with luggage. The point here is Disney implies "ALL TIPS" are taken care of. Simply not true. DME Drivers do not work for Disney, and are not compensated in any way by Disney.

Thank you for asking.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

2.) Can you tell me the normal order of resorts if you are staying at ASM (movies)?

This is the only question I still need answered (if possible) because ......

I JUST GOT THE DOORBELL RING- FOUND FEDEX PKG ON THE FRONT PORCH!!!!
Yes, I got my DME pkg. WOOHOOO- I did a happy dance and my kids think I'm crazy. Well until I explained the big deal to my oldest child- atleast now she understands. LOL
(ps. got it almost exactly 2wks before our trip. Our trip starts June 13th... I guess I can mark off calling about the ME tags on my super long "to do" list.... things I have to do before our trip. LOL I'm kinda glad I've been putting that off a bit now!

It came with the DME tags AND the flight info is correct AND it answered my question about the airlines that are participating (we're flying AA.. so YEAH! That means luggage taken care of on the return trip to MCO).

And you already answered my question about the wait. I'm cool with 3 hrs... I imagine I'll still be up at that hour anyway- I am a nightowl anyway. LOL

Our pkg came with a cpn for the pin & lanyard... we were supposed to be getting a coupon for 2 free 8x10 (I think that was the size...) pictures from photopass. But I'm not sure if we get that at the resort or what. The cpn for the pin/lanyard does have a side piece that tells you about photopass- but no cpn for the free pictures that it said I would get when I booked the pkg with Disney. We'll see on that... we don't really need more lanyards (already have one or more for each of us LOL) but we will always take more pins. LOL

 

[localdriver]

Given there are generally 3 to 4 stops, and Movies is at the very end of Buena Vista Drive, Movies is usually 3rd or 4th.

In most cases, time wise, 50 to 60 mins, from leaving the airport.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Okay so I get we're last on the list (of 3-4 stops) but given that info... I'm not going to hold my breath that it would only take 50-60min. Everyone else is talking about it taking upwards of 90min or more... so last on the list I'm thinking it will take us that long. Ohwell.. such is life. LOL

Thanks for answering!

 

[connie254]

If we want to pick up our luggage at baggage claim, can we take it on/under the bus? Just so we know where it is,don't have to wait for it?

What is the latest turnaround time to get the luggage at the resort? 3 hours or less?

 

[seashoreCM]

If we want to pick up our luggage at baggage claim, can we take it on/under the bus? Just so we know where it is,don't have to wait for it?

If it is very late in the evening it is worthwhile to try to bring your baggage to the bus if you want to.

it answered my question about the airlines that are participating (we're flying AA.. so YEAH! That means luggage taken care of on the return trip to MCO).

Our pkg came with a cpn for the pin & lanyard... we were supposed to be getting a coupon for 2 free 8x10 pictures from photopass. The cpn for the pin/lanyard does have a side piece that tells you about photopass- but no cpn for the free pictures that it said I would get when I booked the pkg with Disney.

For all airlines, make your return ME reservation and get a bus pickup time as soon as possible for best choice of return times. Do not request a pickup time less than 3 hours from flight time.

You may ask at the resort ME or Guest Services desk if you can exchange the pin/lanyard coupon for a photopass print coupon.

 

[localdriver]

Okay so I get we're last on the list (of 3-4 stops) but given that info... I'm not going to hold my breath that it would only take 50-60min. Everyone else is talking about it taking upwards of 90min or more... so last on the list I'm thinking it will take us that long. Ohwell.. such is life. LOL

Thanks for answering!

My clock starts when DISNEY releases the bus. My longest run so far is 1:10. Four stops crossing ZONES. I guess its ok for DISNEY to break it's own rules.

It's only supposed to be 3 across zones, and 4 within. But that's Disney. Their rules are only for others, I must assume.

My biggest question is why are we (busses) being held for 25 to 30 mins after first family boards? I have experienced this several times as a driver, the last time Sunday night while the were 8 DME busses waiting in addition to those 5 or 6 already at the loading area, and also read this same issue in a previous post. It is supposed to be 15 min max from first to load.

Another Disney rule broken by Disney.

Got Questions, Ask Disney. 1-866-599-0951.

 

[crzy4dals]

First, I want to say my overall experience was good. Acceptable. We felt the time spent at the airport was about the same as what it took us to get our luggage and get to EA for the car.

Arrival to MCO 7:10 pm. In line for DME 7:30pm - not sure when we left the airport. I was just glad to be in Florida. Confirmed all flight info and times with the check in desk for our return flight.

We had 15 people on our bus. Yacht Club, Beach Club, Boardwalk and POR.
Our driver was a speed demon. WAY OVER THE LIMIT ON DISNEY PROPERTY!!!!! Where were the sherriff's officers that were out in February???? He got ticked off that he had to make the 4 stops. Made a comment... "like how Disney adds stops when they want to..." WE ARE DISNEY's GUESTS..... DO not talk bad about DISNEY TO ME! I did not hear one person on the bus complaning about the stops. Quite reasonable.... why take on 7 people to POR and run another bus for the other 8.....


Got to POR, checked in and in the room by 9pm. Went to eat in the food court and returned to the room. Called bell services to see if they would be delivering luggage upon arrival... He asked for our name and said it was here and was being dispatched shortly. Luggage in the room by 10 pm.

Day before check out --- Get 4 confirmation letters for our return trip. NOT A one has our flight info on there. 2 letters have our friends flight information of which had been cancelled and that I confirmed cancelled the day before going to Florida, so that this would not keep 2 other guests from getting on the bus if there was room. Called that 1-866 # and got a very snotty representative who told me
1. why dont you call back when you leave the parks and get to your room. I was in my room.
2. DISNEY refuses to put the actual times on these letters and is causing headaches for us (MEARS).

I found this to be totally unacceptable. If you have a problem with DISNEY discuss this with your co-workers complain to your friends and siginficant others. This is OUR vacation... OUR Magical Experience.

I wish Disney had the ability to handle ME with out using MEARS. Then these attitudes could be handled correctly. You choose to work for MEARS. the BIG guys agreed to this contract with DISNEY... the employees cannot change the contracts. IF you folks do not like this then do like everyone else does NOT happy with your job look somewhere else.

Sorry for the rant. Other than the issues with the remarks from the employees of MEARS, the ME service went well for a short weekend trip.

 

[Katems]

DME driver, thanks for the thread!! I need to know if it is ALLOWED for people to NOT use the yellow luggage tags and simply claim their own baggage and then go to the DME desk and check in and board a bus WITH their luggage accompanying them. I'd like to use the service simply as a free ride to the Poly, but I DON'T want to use the luggage handling part of it. I want to handle my own luggage and bring it with me on the DME bus.

Also, I arrive at 3:15 PM and have a dinner reservation at the Contemporary at 6:10. I"ll be staying at the Poly. Do you think I can make that reservation or should I change it?

Thanks so much!!

 

[localdriver]

DME driver, thanks for the thread!! I need to know if it is ALLOWED for people to NOT use the yellow luggage tags and simply claim their own baggage and then go to the DME desk and check in and board a bus WITH their luggage accompanying them. I'd like to use the service simply as a free ride to the Poly, but I DON'T want to use the luggage handling part of it. I want to handle my own luggage and bring it with me on the DME bus.

Also, I arrive at 3:15 PM and have a dinner reservation at the Contemporary at 6:10. I"ll be staying at the Poly. Do you think I can make that reservation or should I change it?

Thanks so much!!

Yes, that is fine. If you want to claim it, do so. (if that's what you want, DO NOT attach the DME TAGS), Claim it and bring it with you to DME check in. When directed by DISNEY CM's to the bus, the Mears/DME driver will load it on the coach and away you go to Disney as soon as the Disney folks release us to go! Disney says 15 mins after first guest boards, but in reality, have been holding busses for 30 mins, especially late in the day. WHY, I DON'T KNOW. I fuss as much as I can w/o getting reported by the Mickey Patrol!...LOL Yep, it does happen. "We are just drivers",

"What could we possibly know about customer service."

If you are claiming your own luggage 6:10 is cutting it close.

For Dinner, 7:30 might be a better choice, to be safe. You have to consider a slight flight delay as possiblity as well. Central FL is getting into it's TStorm season. MCO commonly will close the airport for ARR/DEP for 30 mins or so as a storm passes thru due to windshear indications.

This must be taken into account as a potential delay as well.

Hope all works out, and enjoy your time here!

 

[dme_driver]

Sorry for the rant. Other than the issues with the remarks from the employees of MEARS, the ME service went well for a short weekend trip.

I am terribly sorry that you experienced that... you are quite correct, no comments should have been uttered by anyone at mears to any customer, as it just so happens i no longer work for mears ( the drivers sign was the last straw), but i thought that id mention that no matter how i was feeling down about my job, i always had a smile on my face and was there (and still am) to answer anyones question

 

[seashoreCM]

Get 4 confirmation letters for our return trip. NOT A one has our flight info on there. 2 letters have our friends flight information of which had been cancelled and that I confirmed cancelled the day before going to Florida, so that this would not keep 2 other guests from getting on the bus if there was room. Called that 1-866 # and got a very snotty representative who told me
1. why dont you call back when you leave the parks and get to your room. I was in my room.
2. DISNEY refuses to put the actual times on these letters and is causing headaches for us (MEARS).

I wish Disney had the ability to handle ME with out using MEARS. Then these attitudes could be handled correctly.

Going home you need a bus departure time from the resort. If the time is not indicated on your confirmation letter, get it as soon as possible from someone at the ME desk in the resort lobby.

If Disney refuses to give you the return time in writing, then they have to take your word for it. ME has one obligation, being there, using substitute vehicles if needed.

Disney contracts out lots of different kinds of services besides contracting out ME buses and drivers to Mears.

 

[supermanfan]

If my reservations are under an employee so I could get the discount do I still get the Magical express benefit?

 

[CleveRocks]

For all airlines, make your return ME reservation and get a bus pickup time as soon as possible for best choice of return times. Do not request a pickup time less than 3 hours from flight time.

SeashoreCM, from where are you getting your information? Everything I read in the past said that one day prior to your departure flight your DME return information would be slipped under your hotel room door (on hung on the door knob). I traveled May 8 - 14. On May 13, just like I had read, I got the information in my hotel room. I didn't have to "request" or "reserve" a DME pick up time, it was assigned to me just like I was told it would be; the only thing I did to get my return time was register for DME when I booked my trip, and to check in at the DME counter at MCO when I arrived.

And just like I was told it would be, my return trip pick up was 2 hours 45 minutes prior to my departure time. The bus showed up exactly on schedule, and the driver was expecting me. The bus showed up empty, was 3/4 full when it left, and went directly to MCO.

So SeashoreCM, PLEASE, answer my question of where you got the info that one must make a reservation once at the resort and request the"best choice of return times"???

-- Eric

 

[ericafny]

I have a few questions...

1. We are arriving in July at 10:45 am on a Friday. How long do you think it will take for us to get to hotel (Coronado Springs)? I figured we would be there by 1pm, but am I over/under-estimating?

2. I would really like to claim my own luggage. I read that you said I can do that, so if so I should NOT attach the DME tags to my luggage? Also, if I claim my own luggage will it take me LONGER to board the bus (will I get penalized for claiming my own luggage?)

3. I am confused about the process leaving the hotel on check-out day. Our flight doesn't leave till 7:50 pm and I am expecting the hotel to hold our luggage for us. I would again like to take my own luggage on the bus and check it in at the airport once I get there. Should I set all this up the day I arrive or even beforehand if people are having problems with this?

One more...

4. Is Jetblue a participating airline? (incase I decide to not handle my own luggage)

Thanks!